KUCHING: Outgoing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) Women chief Tan Sri Empiang Jabu said PBB as the backbone of the state government should continue to uphold the responsibility to safeguard the sovereignty of the state and its people.

Empiang, who is succeeded by Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said only such an approach could the Women members play a more effective role as community leaders.

She also urged Women members to support the digital economy initiative launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, the championing of Sarawak's rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and native customary land rights via the "pemakai menua and "pulau galau'. initiative.

"PBB also needs to play a role in maintaining the peace, security and rights to raise the socio-economic status of the Bumiputeras in the state," she said when speaking at the 14th PBB Women and PBB Youth Wings simultaneous triennial general assembly here today.

The event was opened by Abang Johari, who is also PBB president.

"In the history of my struggles as Women deputy chief for 23 years and Women chief for 10 years, I am very grateful for having the strong support of the party members and leaders," she said.

Empiang, 74 , decided not to defend her post and gave way to Fatimah, who is also Sarawak Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister, to take over the leadership of the movement.

Meanwhile, PBB Youth chief Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof also stepped down from his post to contest in one of the five vice presidents reserved for the Bumiputera wing.

He was succeeded by Gerald Rentap Jabu, who is also Layar assemblyman. — Bernama